In the early 1990s, film director Norio Tsuruta (Premonition, Ring 0: Birthday) and screenwriter Chiaki Konaka (Marebito) collaborated on a three-part series of television programs based on actual paranormal events. C... more &raquoollectively known as Honto Ni Atta Kowai Hanashi (Scary True Stories), it was an immediate hit. Not only did it mark Norio Tsuruta's directorial debut, it also became a pioneering work which lit the flame of the Japanese horror boom, shedding its influence on such films as Ringu, Ju-On: The Grudge, and Pulse. Set in contemporary Japan and highlighted by creepy visuals and sound effects, these chilling dramatizations of supernatural horror are presented for the first time in the U.S. as a complete edition.&laquo less

Movie Reviews

Tame, But Enjoyable

L. Mintah | USA | 08/08/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you are looking to be scared out of your wits, this is not going to do it. Mentioning or comparing those two movies with this production is false advertising. These stories are allegedly true, but fall flat with cheesy special effects (the light emanating from a ghost is just a spotlight chasing people around) and tame plotlines. Not to mention every story is told by a girl, usually junior high age. Males exist only in supporting roles in two tales.

The stories are more relaxing than anything else. The slight spookiness here is best served as an appetizer for a truly terrifying film."